Building An Authoritative Travel Blog

Authoritative blogs seem all the rage at the moment but what exactly is an " Authoritative Travel Blog ?" Well my understanding of the matter is it is a blog that is not only very informative to the readers but that the information comes from authoritative type people in connection with what they are writing about.

Hopefully my articles below will give an insight on travel and travel related experiences from all over the world from many authoritative writers as they have been there and done that.

Articles will be and are published often and this means current travel experiences and up to date places to visit. If you have also visited these places or wish to comment then please do so remembering this blog is intended to family orientated visitors so please be respectful.

I have seen many fears raised through my article site and feel that any traveller today that, for one reason or another, decides against travel insurance then they are possibly being a little short sighted. We do not want our boats to sink but are happy to carry life rafts. travel insurance is a similar idea. We do not wish to ever claim on it but if things go wrong as they sometimes do it is a benifit to have the insurance.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

How to Find Airfare at a Discount

By sapibontv

People love to travel to various locations around the world. For example, a hot spot every year is the "Great Wall of China." A lot of history is built into that place, and many love to walk or see that amazing sight. Besides that, many others want to travel at a great price, and not have to pay too much because it can become expensive if a person does not do their research ahead of time.

The utmost cheapest and best way to get the most out of airfare is to go to the airlines website. When individuals call on the phone, or go through other websites, that can cause many troubles or difficulties. For example, the prices for American Airlines or Southwest may become $50 to $100 more than going through the actual airline website. People want to get the most of out of their airline experience, but do not want to pay too much.

Another route to recieving a great deal is to get a membership card through a favorite airline. When this happens through flying through them, individuals can recieve a discount on their next flight. This is the case because people want to fly again and again with them, and the airlines do not want to lose customers because in the long term, they lose money, and that is detrimental to any company. For example, Airtran Airways does membership cards, and through that people recieve a discount at an affordable price.

The last way to save money is to buy a credit card. Now before doing this make sure good credit is already established, and make an extra point to pay everytihng in full, otherwise it will become more and more difficult to pay it off. These are used to get frequent flyer miles, and individuals can recieve a huge discount at a price they can afford.

Most people want a discount at a wonderful price they can afford. However, many individuals will not pay more than $400, if they can help it because of how expensive it can become. These people are looking for ways to get a discount, and three ways are possible to make it happen. One, go to the actual airline website. Two, get a membership card through the actual airline. Three, apply for a credit card, but pay off everything in full, and make sure credit is good before going for it. Remember to shop early too before flying.

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Cancun, a Gay Travel Guide and Tips

By Ricardo d Argence

If you are going on vacation to Cancun, you are going to have a blast. As you get prepared, consider the money you have and the time you'll be there. You can fly to the area you are going or you can go on a nice long cruise. When traveling with a friend, ensure that you have limitations you agree on and then plan away.

Usually a cruise to Cancun will either leave from Galveston or Miami. Usually the ships are going to leave for Cancun in the evening time. Most of the ships that leave from the western area of the U.S. will end up taking you to Mexican Riviera.

Planning on flying? If you book the flight as well as the hotel together you can really save some money. Using a travel agent is okay, but if you do so, ensure that they lay out all that will be included in the cost you are paying for your vacation.

It's a good idea to figure out whether you are going to Cancun Calica or to Cancun Playa del Carmen. Both are great options. Calica will offer great beaches, a wonderful night life, and tours of historic ruins and interesting nature parks. On the other hand, Playa del Carmen is a town on the beach. You can check out tropical forests, enjoy touring some ruins, or even check out the biosphere reserve.

Buy sunscreen! It's hard to avoid the water in Cancun, and it's best to buy waterproof sunscreen.

Make sure you contact the service provider for your cell phone. Find out what you'll be paying to roam in Mexico. This is important if you are going to stay in touch with your office or with those you care about.

Most of your money should be in traveler's checks. Most establishments are happy to have American money, but if you exchange cash for pesos, do it at a bank. Carry your theft information for your traveler's checks separately from the checks, and if you have a credit card be certain you have theft protection. If you do have pesos, be careful not to tear them, and do not accept torn bills, because the Mexican government does not honor torn money.

You should be tipping your night club service, wait service, and the hotel staff. Usually ten to fifteen percent is a good rule of thumb.

When you engage a cab, tell the cabbie your destination and agree on a price beforehand. Cab drivers do not expect tips.

If you are walking somewhere, don't go alone, good advice for any city! And be mindful that in Mexico, pedestrians do NOT have the right of way.

Ask your hotel staff for recommendations on the types of places you want to visit. The Karamba night club in Cancun comes highly recommended for gay nightlife.

No matter where you are traveling or how you are getting there, make certain you check about luggage restrictions, including how many pieces you can carry, the size, the weight, and the cost for extra pieces. Also, call the airport or the cruise line a few days before departure to learn about any boarding restrictions on what you can carry with you. The best trips are well planned. You can have fun now organizing your trip, and then while you are actually on vacation you won't have any surprises to spoil it!

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Cancun has the Best Gay Bars and Night Clubs in Mexico

By Ricardo d Argence

When you are interested in the gay scene, Cancun has something exciting waiting for you. With its refreshingly tropical temperatures, Cancun is just northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It offers an excellent gay nightlife scene. No other city can offer you such an amazing sample of gay clubs and bars!

You can visit some of the most excellent gay clubs and bars in Cancun including, Club Backstage, Karamba Bar, Risky Times and Bar Picante.

The Karamba Bar, established in1986 is an active bar situated on Tulum Avenue at the heart of the city is the last remaining gay club to hold its grand opening in the 80s. Everyone is so happy to be gay there as it is open from Tuesday through Sunday.

With a 450 people capacity, it offers a variety of entertainment to stimulate all sorts of tastes. It offers enjoyable modern music and opens its doors at 10:30 pm. This is one of those gay clubs in Cancun that you will love; surely, you will enjoy visiting here!

When you enjoy full livelier club atmosphere experiences, you really should get on down to Risky Times. It is an excellent, rowdy after-hours club, within the city, that you will ever want to visit.

It opens at 4:30, while people of all preferences of sexuality are welcome. Remember, you enter at your own risk while visiting this club; however, you will take home and remember many interesting memories!

One of the newest gay clubs in Cancun is Club Backstage. The main customer base of the club is young and energetic. It boasts a classy dance floor that pumps out modern, energetic music all night.

Many people think that Club Backstage has some of the cutest waiters in Cancun too. So even if you just pop along to take a look at the waiters, you should definitely make a pit stop to this club during your stay.

Finally Bar Picante is another great gay bar in Cancun. It is one of the smallest venues but it does occasionally host drag shows and stripper shows. It is well known that good looking macho men frequently visit Bar Picante. That is what brings in flocks of gay men to the bar. It is also worth noting that there are a lot of working men there too.

You will love the gay bars and clubs in Cancun. The locations mentioned above are just wonderful. While you are in the city, you should definitely stop by, visit all the bars and clubs listed, and have the best time of your life!

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Earth Day in Stamford

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

Earth Day was celebrated by advocates yesterday April 22. It was an activity that commemorated people's fight against global warming. It is also a special day where we begin to think and ponder on how we can care for our beloved planet. Thanks to Earth Day organizers, we are conscientiously reminded to be kind and not to be cruel to our surroundings. Because of Earth Day more people are becoming aware and more environmentally oriented.

Earth Hour is a part of the Earth Day campaign. It is a widely publicized event in the whole world since it requires all the country in the world to turn off their lights for one whole hour. The Earth Hour is done to save on the country and the world's energy and electricity resources. It was first experimented in Sydney, Australia were it turned out to be a huge success. Earth Hour was a successful endeavor with several countries participating for it this year.

Green jobs are another advocacy of Earth Day campaigns. Green companies nowadays are employing more and more people to do green jobs for them. What is exactly a green job? A green job is a job that helps benefit our environment and our surroundings. Green companies range from solar panel manufacturers to no-gas/ water powered vehicle manufacturers. According to President Obama's platform, there will be hundreds of green jobs/companies in the coming years.

Green artists' response to Earth Day is to create recycled art or junk art. Harvey Whitcomb is an example of an American green artist that is successful at his craft. Judging from his website one can see that he had expertly used recycled items in making his artwork.

There will be an Earth day Celebration in Stamford, Connecticut where everyone is encouraged to attend to know how to care for the Earth and be very good and caring stewards of our mother planet.

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South Florida: Pompano Beach Seafood Festival

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

The Pompano Beach in South Florida once again will be host to an unforgettable event on April as they celebrate the annual Pompano Beach Seafood Festival in South Florida. Be prepared for mouthwatering delectable goodness of seafood recipes. Expect chefs and culinary experts to transform the beach into one seafood lovers' paradise. Almost any kind of seafood in any type of recipe will be cooked on this event.

At the show almost any type of cooked seafood can be seen. Do you love lobsters? Then you can definitely enjoy the lobsters on lemon butter sauce specialties. Savor the mouthwatering treat that shrimps cooked in special herbs and spices have to offer. Marvel at new and innovative seafood goodness by young chefs and discover the tasty Catfish desert in cold cream syrup. Fish and chips are a popular gourmet at the Festival and so as different deserts. Ah, the pleasurable goodness that seafood can bring.

Kitchen experts will also be present to teach you some basic tricks on how to prepare and cook lobsters the right way. First, freeze the lobster for about 10 minutes with the rubber bands still attached to its claws (watch out for your fingers!). Next, gently put the lobster in a pot of boiling water that is sprinkled with salt, place the lid firmly on the pot. Remove the lobster when it achieved a red color and allow cooling before handling.

Gently remove the tail to separate it from the head. Using a pair of kitchen shears cut across the underside of the lobster and remove the shell. Using a nutcracker or a crab cracker, remove the claw shell to get the claw meat. Place on a tray. Lobsters are best served with lemon butter sauce. Yum!

Be a seafood culinary guru in a day as you watch, learn and taste delectable food at the Pompano Seafood Festival in South Florida.

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Monday, April 27, 2009

Florida and Southeastern US Travel Perfect Getaway

By CTC Ventures

Have you ever heard the old saying that goes all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy? If you did, then you have to admit the fact that this does makes sense. You do need to take a break once in a while and you have to remember that not everything in life is all about making money and working. You also need to enjoy what you worked hard for and there is no way better to do it than go on a weekend getaway in the Southeast United States.

So, of all places, why should you go to Southeast US to spend your weekend? First of all, you only have 2 or 3 days max and you won't really have any time to go to an exotic location. You need to remember that you will just be enjoying the weekend where there is no work.

Secondly, the Southeast US area features some of the best attractions for all sorts of people. Whether your idea of fun is going to the theme park, or do extreme water sports, or just go on a relaxing fishing tour on the ocean, you will see that the Southeast US can accommodate all your needs.

You basically have lots of choices when it comes to entertainment.

The Southeast US also features some of the best views in the country. You can go on walking or road trips as well as guided tours through some of the best places in the Southeast. For example, you go on a Ghost Tours of Haunted Places, go to the Virginia Wine Trails, Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, experience the Outer Banks Driving Tour, and much more.

For people who love history, you will see that the Southeast US can also offer you a lot of historical sites to visit. You can visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and even the Jamestown Settlement.

If you plan on bringing your family, Southeast United States can also offer you a lot of attractions that the whole family can enjoy. There are theme parks, zoos, museums, and a lot more. You can visit Seaworld, Disney World, IMAX Movie Theaters, National Air and Space Museum, Zoo Atlanta, Outdoor Dramas, and a lot more.

If shopping is what you consider as a fun way to spend your weekend, then you will find that the Southeast US can also provide with great shopping experience. Here, you will find Outlet Malls and Discount Shopping, Sales Tax Holidays, World's Longest Yardsale, and you can even visit Chocolate Shops which features Hand Made Chocolates that will surely make you want more.

There are also a lot of seasonal events in the Southeast United States. The whole year round, you will find all sorts of festivals in the Southeast. It's just a matter of timing it in order for you to get there while the festivities are going on.

As you can see, the Southeast US can offer you a one of a kind weekend getaway. Whatever your idea of fun is, you can be sure that you will be able to find it in the Southeast United States. Whether you are an extreme sports enthusiast, or a historical buff, or a family man, you can be sure that you will be able to find the right entertainment for you when you spend your weekend getaway in the US Southeast.

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Four Star Hotel of Indore

By Chris Linch

Indore is called the mini Mumbai. It is reminiscent of the culture and traditions of the past mixed with modern development of the present times. One thing that attracts tourists is the architectural splendors of the city. You will have a great time whether you came here for business or pleasure. If you have a budget and can afford a four star hotel, it will immensely add up to your wonderful and unforgettable experience in Indore.

Here are some of four star hotels of Indore India.

Fortune Landmark Hotel

This four star hotel is close to the International Airport. There are many cabs in the airport to bring you here. All rooms are fully furnished rooms and are categorized as Presidential Suite, Standard Room and Executive room. These rooms are well equipped with modern amenities also. It is fully air conditioned. Its amenities include mini bars complimentary breakfast, coffee and tea machines and in room safe. The suites have additional amenities of in room fax machines and internet connections for 24 hours.

The on site restaurants of the hotel are Ambrosia, Malhar and Terrace Grills. Ambrosia has Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. Malhar specializes in Indian and Continental delicacies. And Terrace Grills is famous for tandoori. Corporate travelers will find it convenient to use the Shankh Devasari, Front Lawn and Board Room. These places are used for business purposes. It can be set up like a classroom if needed for formal meetings. There are reception counters, theaters and buffets.

Within the hotel's premises also are a swimming pool, sauna bath and Jacuzzi. Healthy people can go for health club and fitness center. All these can be used for free, compliments of the hotel.

Sayaji Hotel Indore

This four star hotel located in Vijay Nagar India. It has a mixture of contemporary style and traditional heritage evident in their interiors. This is the most modern business hotel in India. The staff is highly proficient and can speak different languages. The facilities are all nothing but world class that it lures many tourists every year. The location of the hotel itself is opposite to Meghdoot Garden. Travelers can have easy access to the airport through this hotel.

The Sayaji hotel has a total of 410 luxurious rooms and suites. These rooms and suites have stylish designs. These rooms provide not just comfort and luxury but also unique and ultimate place to stay in. All guestrooms have different signature designs. They are decorated tastefully.

Visitors can go for either a room or a suite because it has the same amenities and services. Visitors can be sure that the Sayaji hotel rooms are all air conditioned with amenities of tea/coffee maker, deposit lockers, private/ensuite bathroom and many more.

The hotel amenities not only focused on the rooms. There are also business amenities present in this hotel. Business travelers can say that their business amenities are first class. This hotel also has restaurant and coffee shop on site. These dining places provide authentic flavors of Dum Pukht Cuisines. These are traditional cuisines of the famous Awadh. The hotel also has grilled dishes available at the pool side. You can really see multiple options of dining in here.

For business needs, the place has a greater number of banquet halls. They have nine banquet halls to be used for business purposes. Meetings, conferences and casual gatherings are done in here. The hotel also has lounge bar, pub and discotheque. They have salon, spa and fitness center. They also have amenities like stationary facility and secretarial services.

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Las Vegas Myths

By Chris Linch

Las Vegas, Nevada is a place that's larger than life. When one thinks of Vegas, they think of gambling casinos, strip joints, showgirls and huge luxurious hotels with flashing lights and dancing waters. What they usually don't realize is that this atmosphere is contained to the Las Vegas Strip. The "Strip" is just one section of Las Vegas, not the entire city.

What people don't stop to think about is that Las Vegas is simply a town just like any other. They have schools, government offices, grocery stores, parks, all the normal features that every single town in America has. If one were to visit Las Vegas and venture off of the strip, they'd find a town with normal people going about their everyday business.

It's said that prostitution is legal in Las Vegas. This is probably a popular notion due to the exhibitionist nature of the town with all the shows featuring nude showgirls. Vegas is also famous for their quickie wedding chapels and thousands of hotels. Go into any casino and you'll find beautiful women in sexy clothes. Nevertheless this is all part of the Vegas image. Prostitution is illegal and people do get arrested for solicitation in Vegas.

The Hoover Dam is a huge construction that took five years to build and used four million plus cubic yards of concrete. It was a massive feat of engineering. During the building of this dam almost a hundred workers lost their lives. The rumor circulating is that some of their bodies remain buried in the concrete still. The truth is, the concrete was poured in small increments and allowed to dry before pouring the next batch. If anyone were to have fallen into the wet concrete, they would have been easily pulled out.

Due to the idea of Las Vegas being all casinos, hotels and shows, people tend to get the idea that every Vegas resident lives and works on the strip. Women here are all strippers and gorgeous. In actually, this couldn't be further than the truth. While many of the residents may have jobs on the strip, they clock in and out and go home to their normal subdivisions in surrounding areas. Still others hold down jobs in schools, grocery stores and government offices and may rarely venture onto the strip. The women living here are normal looking just like the women in any other American town.

Once a woman who won a huge jackpot at the "Megabucks" slot machine experienced a tragic accident mere weeks after her winning and became paralyzed. Since that time a rumor has circulated that everyone who won a major jackpot at the Megabucks slot machines encountered a tragedy of sorts immediately afterwards. Even though the winners are alive and happy today, the rumors persist that they have died or have experienced some horrible incident.

Another myth includes bodies being found in a hotel's box springs. There's no proof or evidence that this ever happened in Las Vegas. It did, in fact, happen in some small town over on the east coast of the US. Somehow this incident ended up in Las Vegas as the rumor circulated.

As incredulous as this sounds, there's even a rumor that kidneys get stolen in Vegas. Apparently someone started a story of a man who awakened in a hotel room one morning to a note that advised him to call 911 or else he would experience dire circumstances. The man supposedly did so only to be told by the doctors that he was missing a kidney.

Las Vegas is quite a colorful place with a crazy present and an even more raucous past. One can be sure to hear some interesting tales about this city. Just remember to take everything you hear about Las Vegas with a little bit of caution and amusement and know that outside of the Strip, Vegas is just a normal town with ordinary people going about their business.

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Take Your Next Vacation To Isla Mujeres

By Ricardo d Argence

There are many fine locations in the world for a gay vacation on the beaches. While there is great variety in l locations, some destinations are a little better than others.

When you're starting to think about your next vacation, Cancun is one of the best places you could visit, particularly Isla Mujeres " this resort area located very close to the city of Cancun has some of the best beaches you'll ever see; anyone who's ever been there can tell you how special of a place this is to visit.

But, what is it about this region that is so special. Well, lets take a quick look at some of the top reasons for visiting.

A thriving fishing town, Isla Mujeres offers visitors a sort of glimpse into the past, letting you have a view of traditional Mexican seaside life. Of course, if you happen to be a fisherman, you may have an idea already, but this culture is one of the things which makes Isla Mujeres such a draw.

This area also provides a lot of great dining, shopping, and live entertainment. That means guests will never run short of things to do day or night.

Of course, there is plenty to do here as well as to see. Isla Mujeres has the most beautiful coastline in all of North America.

With its incredible blue waters and wonderful beaches, it's a great place to relax " but don't forget about all the surfing, scuba diving and other activities you can do out on the water!

Isla Mujeres is a great fishing spot, so if you'd like to get out on the water for the day and try your luck, there's few other places in the world like it to spend your day fishing and relaxing. There's no shortage of enjoyment here, whether on land or sea.

In fact, there is one water activity that is very difficult to find anywhere else in the world. The region offers a Dolphin Discovery adventure which is sure to be appealing to those that love the natural world. With Dolphin Discovery tours, you are able to swim in waters and get up close and personal with the dolphins! Yes, this could prove to be a fun excursion proving many memories.

With a variety of four and five star hotels, Isla Mujeres is a great choice for those who want to vacation in high style and enjoy world class luxury accommodations.

For those that may be traveling on a budget, more affordable options are available as well. Regardless of where you stay, however, you will be close to all the amazing sights and sounds of resort. Often, a hotspot of activities is only a short walk away from where you are staying.

It's the ideal place to visit on your next vacation. If youre planning a getaway, Isla Mujeres is the obvious choice. Out of all of the amazing resorts in Mexico (and there are many), this is one place which definitely stands out from the crowd.

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Saturday, April 25, 2009

New York - Cheap Flights and Expensive Hotels

By Chris Linch

New York City is a destination that doesn't hold back when it comes to luxury and with many legendary luxury hotels, such as the Waldorf and the Plaza, on offer it is no surprise that it is a popular place to stay.

Staying at one of these hotels ensures a memorable time and this is largely because they take pride in furnishing the rooms with soft bed linen, the latest in-room technology and designer branded toiletries. Whether you're a frequent visitor to the hotel or a couple treating themselves for a once in a lifetime occasion, the large and tastefully decorated rooms that are extremely clean and boast beautiful high views over the city will make sure that you feel very spoiled during your stay.

If you are celebrating a very special occasion, you could request a strolling violinist to serenade you whilst you enjoy a gourmet picnic in Central Park or if you want a diamond ring delivered with a dessert on a terraced penthouse, these hotels have extremely resourceful concierges that will do their best to make your dreams come true.

New York has always been a very popular place to visit and with USA flights being very affordable now, more and more people are visiting the city.

With flights from the UK to New York being very long, arriving at your luxury hotel and having the concierge organise the very special moments planned for your trip will immediately show you that you are going to have a very relaxing, luxurious and special break.

Concierges are even on hand to find you tickets to the hottest Broadway shows and can even organise limos to take you to and from the theatre. Many luxury guests often ask their concierge where the best places are to see celebrities and also ask them to make reservations at restaurants owned by celebrity chefs such as Mario Batali and Bobby Flay.

If celebrity chefs aren't your thing then you won't go hungry as there are 32, 520 restaurants in the greater New York City area, with new ones opening constantly. If this all seems a bit daunting then your concierge will be on hand to help you by recommending the best places to eat, some of which may be closer than you think, as more than 60 hotel restaurants have been listed as some of the best you can eat at.

With cheap flights to the USA being available now, you will have more money left over for shopping and your concierge can help you out in that area as well by making sure that all of your shopping is delivered safely to your hotel room, so you won't have to carry around all of your new luxury products that you can't get at home yet.

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How to Find Airfare at a Discount

By sapibontv

People love to travel to various locations around the world. For example, a hot spot every year is the "Great Wall of China." A lot of history is built into that place, and many love to walk or see that amazing sight. Besides that, many others want to travel at a great price, and not have to pay too much because it can become expensive if a person does not do their research ahead of time.

The utmost cheapest and best way to get the most out of airfare is to go to the airlines website. When individuals call on the phone, or go through other websites, that can cause many troubles or difficulties. For example, the prices for American Airlines or Southwest may become $50 to $100 more than going through the actual airline website. People want to get the most of out of their airline experience, but do not want to pay too much.

Another route to recieving a great deal is to get a membership card through a favorite airline. When this happens through flying through them, individuals can recieve a discount on their next flight. This is the case because people want to fly again and again with them, and the airlines do not want to lose customers because in the long term, they lose money, and that is detrimental to any company. For example, Airtran Airways does membership cards, and through that people recieve a discount at an affordable price.

The last way to save money is to buy a credit card. Now before doing this make sure good credit is already established, and make an extra point to pay everytihng in full, otherwise it will become more and more difficult to pay it off. These are used to get frequent flyer miles, and individuals can recieve a huge discount at a price they can afford.

Most people want a discount at a wonderful price they can afford. However, many individuals will not pay more than $400, if they can help it because of how expensive it can become. These people are looking for ways to get a discount, and three ways are possible to make it happen. One, go to the actual airline website. Two, get a membership card through the actual airline. Three, apply for a credit card, but pay off everything in full, and make sure credit is good before going for it. Remember to shop early too before flying.

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Summer Festivals Tips

By Ian Kleine

Going into a summer festival whether day or night, is a very fun and enjoyable experience for the family. It provides a good opportunity for bonding with your kids (or for the kids to bond with their families, who oftentimes do not meet anymore due to constraints in time). So anyway, you decide to spend your time with them in the state fair, or maybe in the state festival. And we do it at night. We don't want anyone fainting from heat stroke, or getting singed due to sunburn. But there is a hidden threat lurking in the next corner. Or rather, flying around.

Yes, insects. More specifically, the toxic ones. Or if not, those that carry diseases with them. These are some of the hidden dangers of going out into a festival. Festivals bring people together. And where there's people together, heat emanates from all around. And when that happens, this attracts insects from miles and miles away, those who are expecting a good meal.

In a surprising revelation, most parents do not realize the relevance of insect repellents in these types of situations. The AAP or the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend you use insect repellents if going out with children on haphazard festival sites, like an open field or by the river or lakeside. A lot of these places harbor breeding grounds for insects and diseases.

If you are not the type to place various emollients on your kid's skin, you might want to resort to something more time-tested (that is if your kid doesn't really care about making a fashion statement. Most teenage girls would scorn at you for this).

Have your kids dress into something loose-fitting, and one that has long sleeves and non-bright colors. Long sleeves for protection of the arms from bites and the dark colors to deter insects from detecting you (bright colors apparently attract more insects than those who don't).

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Friday, April 24, 2009

How to Find a Cheap Plane Ticket

By Matthew Kepnes

Traveling is always a fun experience when you get your plane tickets at a discount. Yet, it is very hard to find a cheap air ticket these days. The global economic meltdown has helped make fares cheaper as airlines try to fill lots of empty airplanes. Moreover, the internet can help you get hidden deals if you want to search hard enough. There are many ways to save on airfare. In fact, now is one of the best times to fly as tickets are the cheapest they have been in years. Here they some tips that can get you a cheap ticket:

If you are planning a holiday, book two months in advance. One of the best times to buy is around 8 weeks before you travel as the airlines realize you still have many options to pick from. As an early bird you can get cheap airfare on your ticket. If you book to soon, airlines know they can charge you a lot because if you need it. If you book far in advance, airlines raise fees in case costs rise in the future. Booking around 6 to 8 week ensures, you'll get a good deal.

Make your ticket round trip. Airplane tickets are most often cheaper if you book round trip, often buy a lot of money. The airline gives a discount to these tickets because they know it ensures that tickets are sold and seats are filled. Often times the prices are not that much different but the difference is enough to make buying this ticket a good deal. You might even get blessed and find one of these tickets a lot cheaper than a one way ticket. If this is your situation, book the round trip but only use the one way portion you need.

Avoid traveling on weekends. Business and other travelers prefer traveling on the weekend so more flying happens during the weekends and airlines raise their prices to reflect the demand. Therefore, the middle of the week is the best time to fly. This is why tickets are always cheapest for red eye flights and during the middle of the week. The airlines are trying to fill their seats. Booking tickets and flying mid week or late at night will always ensure you have the cheapest flight.

Try to fly into smaller airports. Major airports have high landing fees which the airline companies then pass on to consumers by charging more money. Flying into secondary airports is a great way to avoid this and save money. Moreover, secondary, small airports are usually serviced by discount airline carriers which offer cheaper tickets than the major carriers. This offers a double saving in which you get the best of both worlds.

You can find good flights. The economy has helped greatly in finding good deals for flying. Most airline companies have cut prices in half, if not more. Tickets on major routes are even cheaper. Now is the best time to fly. Using the tips and advice hear combined with the global economy will help you save lots of money and get a cheap plane ticket for your next trip.

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Las Vegas Hotels

By Chris Linch

Las Vegas has come a long way since it was first discovered in 1829. This city, which is located in the state of Nevada, is one of the largest cities in the United States, with a population of over two million. The city remains the strongest contender for the world's major international tourist attractions. And since a lot of tourists come every year, Las Vegas hotels become more in demand to accommodate these people during their grand vacation.

Las Vegas is a home to many casinos. Most people come to this city to try their luck at playing different games in casinos. That's why most Las Vegas hotels are hotel casinos so that seasoned gamblers have easier access to slot machines and other casino games.

However, there are some families that prefer family vacation hotels that cater to a younger crowd. Fortunately, there are several fine hotels that are able to ensure that the entire family will have a great time.

Las Vegas Family Vacation Hotel Options

Circus and Excalibur are some great choices for family vacation hotels in Las Vegas. The Circus is comprised of three towers with a connecting sky shuttle, which is viewed by most children as the grand attraction. Inside the complex, there is the Adventuredome, which is considered the largest indoor theme park. The hotel also has a miniature golf, bungee jumping, and over 200 choices for carnival games.

Just like the Circus, Excalibur is another family-oriented Las Vegas hotel, named because the design that replicates King Arthur's Camelot home. This Las Vegas hotel allows children an experience like walking into a fairy tale. The first floor is full of carnival games, themed entertainment, and arcades. There is also a large pool area and a popular dinner attraction called the Tournament of Kings.

These are just some of the family-oriented Las Vegas hotels that families can check out in Las Vegas. So, the next time you take a trip to Las Vegas with your family, consider these fine hotels so that everyone can have a great time.

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A Baker's Dozen of Travel Tips to Save Money on Travel

By Chris Linch

1. Be flexible. Alternate either the airport/city or the time/date you plan to travel. A rigid travel schedule is going to make it hard to save money on travel.

2. Ask for discounts or upgrades. Don't accept the hotel rate as written in stone. Often all that is required is simply to ask for a discount or ask to be upgraded to a better room. Same goes for the airplane, ask for an upgrade. If you don't ask you'll never know what you might have been able to get.

3. Remember your AAA card and always ask if there is a discount.

4. Plan your vacation in the off season. For example, if you want to go on a ski trip, plan one for the summer. You will find the resorts charging quite a bit less, and it will be less crowded.

5. When purchasing your airline tickets, don't only look for round-trip tickets but also check the one-way fares. Even if you have to travel on different airlines, use whatever means possible to get the best deal.

6. If you are going to a theme park and planning to be there for more than a few days, opt for an annual pass as it usually only costs about the equivalent of two days' worth of tickets. This will allow you to not only save cash but also to relax and not feel that you need to spend all day at the park to get your money's worth.

7. Take a shuttle from the airport to your hotel if possible. It may take a bit longer to get to your hotel and you'll be sharing with other travelers, but it's kind of fun and you may make a friend of two. It's also much cheaper than a taxi.

8. When traveling on the interstate and looking for a place to stay overnight, steer clear of the new franchise hotels if you want to save. Instead, try the mom-and-pop hotels on the old highways near the interstate that the interstate replaced years ago, or even a bed and breakfast.

9. If visiting a water park, check on their "twilight" pricing. Usually if you go later in the day you save a substantial amount off the entrance fee.

10. Consider vacation packages. All-inclusive deals that bundle air, hotel, and entertainment are often cheaper than buying everything separately. These are sometimes outstanding values for the money.

11. Sign up for email alerts from the online travel agencies. These will let you know when airfare falls below a certain point so you can quickly jump on the deal and secure your tickets.

12. Book early or book late. If you aren't able to book your airfare tickets well in advance, you might score a great deal by waiting till the very last minute. Since airlines want to fill all their seats, they will oftentimes discount heavily at the last minute just to get those seats filled.

13. Have a "staycation." Stay home and save money on hotel, airfare, and car rental, and enjoy the touristy places in your area that you never have time to explore normally. You'll be surprised what's in your own backyard.

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Thursday, April 23, 2009

World Historical Sites

By Paul Erikson

The wonders of the ancient world can still be seen today. They are spread out around the world and give us insight into the development of people and places and cultures. They help us understand the past and help us understand who we are now. There are many places around the world like this bu the four best are Machu Picchu, Tikal, the Pyramids, and Angkor Wat. These are the giants. They biggest, the most visited, the most talked about. They are remnants of some of the most powerful cultures that have ever lived.

Machu Picchu- This world heritage site is under siege by the tourist who visit it each year. With millions of people visiting this place each year, it is getting worn down and there have been a number of efforts to preserve the site from tourism lately. This place is located high in the Andes mountains and was part of the Incan empire. Many theories about it exist but it was most likely a summer home for the Incan king.

Tikal- Tikal is a world heritage site with beautiful temples that give us a peak into the lives of 7th century Mayans. This world heritage site is located in Guatemala and attracts millions of visitors a year. Luckily, they all come in the afternoon so if you wakeu p early, you can have this amazing place to yourself to explore. There are thousands of temples here and most are still buried under the jungle. It's a surreal experience walking around with just you and the jungle animals.

Angkor Wat- The Angkor temple complex is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. Located in Cambodia, the area was once the home to the great Khmer Empire that stretched through all of Southeast Asia. The temples are here are very huge and in poor condition. They were lost to the jungle for centuries, looted by locals, and the site has been poorly managed to handle all the tourists who come and visit. However, it is still an an amazing place to visit.

The Great Pyramids- Located in Egypt, these structures are one of the most visited sites in the world and give us a lot of history about one of the oldest cultures in the world. They were built by people who an advanced understanding of geometry and astronomy. For a small fee, you can even explore the insides of the structures. They are one of the oldest and greatest wonders of the world.

There are a lot historical sites spread around the world and are also very important and teach us a lot. However, these four are by far the most popular and the biggest and the only remnants of great cultures on such a large scale. Tourism is very beneficial to places like this as it brings in money and helps educate people but its also important to conserve and protect these sites as well. Make sure you leave on footprints so future people can see these places too.

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A Day at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City

By Chris Linch

New York City is a play you simply have to visit even if you do not like big cities. It is a blend of so many clashing interests, cultures and vibes that spending a week in the Big Apple is something you will not forget quickly.

New York City is full of extremes. It is a go-go place, which can overwhelm visitors to the city. This is where some of the over the top luxury comes in handy. Staying at a top hotel like the world renowned Mandarin Oriental is worth every penny even in tight times.

Spend your days shopping within New York City, but spend your nights sleeping at one of the best hotels that the world has to offer. The Mandarin Oriental offers guests many leisurely activities including yoga, jogging, and golf as well as a spa that has all the hippest spa goers talking.

Based upon ancient Asian techniques and ideals, the spa at the Mandarin takes nature and health into consideration at every turn. Baths are bathed in soft light; water is perfumed with jasmine and rose; and Thai yoga studios await both beginners and experts. If you need to relax your soul, there is no place like this.

Rooms are all equipped with lavish baths, lots of fine down comforters, fluffy pillows, and all the comforts of home. In addition to the lovely rooms that the hotel has to offer its many guests, you will also find that dining at the Mandarin is something of a foodie's dream.

Asiate restaurant located on the 35th floor of the hotel offers contemporary Asian cuisine. Along with the breathtaking plates, you will also enjoy fantastic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. If you want something a bit more casual, the Lobby Lounge is perfect for a light snack or dinner.

Those that just want to unwind will discover that the Mobar serves up some fabulous cocktails and a happening atmosphere all week long. Since the Mandarin is located right in the middle of Manhattan, you will find that walking to some of the best sights in the city is a snap.

Aside from the fact that you will be spending your vacation in New York City, you will enjoy the pleasure of spending it basking in luxury. The Mandarin Oriental welcomes guests all year long, though you will find that the winter package deals are especially enchanting.

Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental begin around $289 USD per night for a regular room. If you intend to visit New York City, make sure that you do it in style by staying at the Mandarin. There are other hotels in this city, but there is only one that offers a unique Asian experience in the midst of New York.

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Tips for Summer Festivals

By Ian Kleine

Going into a summer festival whether day or night, is a very fun and enjoyable experience for the family. It provides a good opportunity for bonding with your kids (or for the kids to bond with their families, who oftentimes do not meet anymore due to constraints in time). So anyway, you decide to spend your time with them in the state fair, or maybe in the state festival. And we do it at night. We don't want anyone fainting from heat stroke, or getting singed due to sunburn. But there is a hidden threat lurking in the next corner. Or rather, flying around.

Yes, insects. More specifically, the toxic ones. Or if not, those that carry diseases with them. These are some of the hidden dangers of going out into a festival. Festivals bring people together. And where there's people together, heat emanates from all around. And when that happens, this attracts insects from miles and miles away, those who are expecting a good meal.

In a surprising revelation, most parents do not realize the relevance of insect repellents in these types of situations. The AAP or the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend you use insect repellents if going out with children on haphazard festival sites, like an open field or by the river or lakeside. A lot of these places harbor breeding grounds for insects and diseases.

If you are not the type to place various emollients on your kid's skin, you might want to resort to something more time-tested (that is if your kid doesn't really care about making a fashion statement. Most teenage girls would scorn at you for this).

Have your kids dress into something loose-fitting, and one that has long sleeves and non-bright colors. Long sleeves for protection of the arms from bites and the dark colors to deter insects from detecting you (bright colors apparently attract more insects than those who don't).

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Vegas Five-Star Hotels - Luxury at Its Best

By Chris Linch

Las Vegas hotels have accommodated tons of celebrities, millionaires, gamblers, young couples, and other vacationers who come to the city to splurge money, and have the best time of their lives.

Being the 28th most populous city of the United States (and one of the most visited), Las Vegas is the foundation of many hotels. The hotel corporations have provided their clients with not just a room to stay in, but also a variety of amenities, including casinos and nightclubs. If you're headed to Las Vegas with luxury in mind, you can check-in at the five-star hotels that promise to give you the best accommodation you deserve. Here are some of recommended Las Vegas hotels that have long established themselves:

One famous hotel is Bellagio Las Vegas. Awarded as an AAA Five Diamond Hotel, Bellagio boasts of its elegant guest suites and rooms, and its European-inspired villas. Bellagio also provides clients the best pampering and rejuvenation on its spa and salon. You can select from a variety of services such as grooming for fathers, beauty makeover for mothers, pamper party, spa journey and couple's package. The hotel also houses the world-famous Cirque Du Soleil, a motley crew of international acrobats, divers and swimmers who leaves the audience in awe with their dreamlike, breath-taking performances.

Mandalay Bay, located on the south end of the Strip, is another magnificent Las Vegas hotel. The hotel knows that people are different, and their concept of comfort and entertainment vary. Mandalay Bay is built around the concept of individuality, and promises to provide services custom-fit to the unique person. There is a variety of suites that will fit your idea of a dream vacation. If you come to Vegas to play, Mandalay is complete with your favorite games such as blackjack, crap and roulette. Mandalay also offers rooms for you to play the ever-famous game poker, may it be Texas Hold 'em to Crazy Pineapple. If you come to Las Vegas to let down your hair and party till the wee hours of the morning, Mandalay's Rumjungle nightclub can satiate your thirst for rhum and dancing. The nightclub hosts different themes, from Pretty in Pink (80s rock and new wave), Vibe (Reggae tunes with Jamaican rhum, one of Las Vegas specials), to Visual Eyes (fusion of hip-hop, rock and R&B). Mandalay has restaurants, shopping and event centers targeted to vacationers who want to escape their normal routine.

Of course Las Vegas Ritz-Carlton, one of Ritz-Carlton hotel franchise, is an addition to the list. The hotel which sits 20 miles east of Las Vegas Strip has a breath-taking view of Las Vegas Lake. Perhaps inspired by the lake, Ritz-Carlton gives its client a taste of Mediterranean living. This Las Vegas hotel entices its clientele with year-round golf, water recreation, and an easy access to McCarran International Airport.'

Besides these three, you can also opt for other world-renowned Las Vegas five-star hotels like Four Seasons, Palazzo, Trump International Hotel and Tower, and Wynn Las Vegas. If you are looking for the best place to stay in Las Vegas, you can never go wrong with these reputable five-star hotels.

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Cheap Las Vegas Trip - How To Plan A Cheap Las Vegas Trip While Still Having The Trip Of A Lifetime

By Chris Linch

The concept of having a cheap Las Vegas trip may seem hard to believe but I can show you how easy it is to plan a fantastic cheap Las Vegas trip while at the same time having the time of your life in Las Vegas. In fact, I can show you how you can plan a cheap Las Vegas trip in mere minutes. This article will reveal one of my secrets for having a cheap Las Vegas trip by revealing in detail how anyone can save at least $544.00 when planning their cheap Las Vegas trip. Keep reading to download my free guide containing over 170 free things to do in Las Vegas.

When people think of Las Vegas they usually think of casinos and losing a lot of money. The fact of the matter is that it is easy to have a cheap Las Vegas trip. In fact, you can actually save so much money on your Las Vegas trip that it would be hard to understand why everyone visiting Las Vegas every year wouldn't plan their cheap Las Vegas trip the same way as I'm going to show you.

Let's get started.

Just for fun I just did an experiment planning a cheap Las Vegas trip and, amazingly, I've managed to save an incredible $544.00 in ten minutes planning a cheap Las Vegas trip. Just imagine the hourly rate you'd have to get paid to earn $544.00 in ten minutes - well over $3000.00 an hour!

It's really astounding how much money can be realistically saved on a cheap Las Vegas trip just by spending time doing a few minutes research planning your cheap trip to Las Vegas.

It's very easy to plan a cheap Las Vegas trip. It starts with doing a bit of research to find the best Las Vegas hotel and air deal that you can find in under ten minutes.

Here's my quick rundown of what I actually did in just under 10 minutes and managed to save $544.00 on my cheap Las Vegas trip.

Cheap Las Vegas Trip Planning Tip 1: I started to plan my cheap Las Vegas trip by going to a very well-known Las Vegas website and got the following deal: two adults staying at Harrah's, hotel and flight included, for the price of $776.50 per person - giving a total of $1553.00. Now that doesn't sound like a very cheap Las Vegas trip to me.

Cheap Las Vegas Trip Planning Tip 2: My search for a more cheap Las Vegas trip continued by going to the Harrah's Hotel official website. For two adults for the same datas as above it gave me a total price of $1110.00. Now that sounds more like a cheap Las Vegas trip, however, it doesn't include the flight price. That's $550.00 per person simply for the accommodation at the Harrah's hotel itself.

Cheap Las Vegas Trip Planning 3: I then went to another website not so readily known to vacationers worldwide and for the same deal, two adults, it gave me a total cost for two adults, staying at Harrah's, including flights, of $593.50 per person, a total of $1187.00; now we're on our way to having a cheap Las Vegas trip, but I was insistent on doing some more research to save more money. Gratefully, I was rewarded with a massive saving on my cheap trip to Las Vegas.

Cheap Las Vegas Trip Planning 4: I then went to another travel website and it gave me a total cost for accommodation at Harrah's including flights for two adults of just $503.19 per person - a total cost of just $1106.38.

Now if I not known what websites to book my cheap Las Vegas trip through I would have simply stopped at step one up above and booked my not so cheap Las Vegas trip and not saved an incredible $544.00.

Isn't it better to have that $544.00 in your pocket and being able to spend it in Vegas, rather than having it all go on just accommodation and flights?

In less than 10 minutes I managed to save an amazing $272.00 per person ($544.00 total) planning a cheap trip to Las Vegas.

Now these substantial savings are readily available to all travellers to Las Vegas. The key to planning and ultimately having a cheap trip to Las Vegas involves knowing the travel websites and travel search engines that I recommend using to plan your cheap Las Vegas trip. For full details of the travel websites and travel search engines that will save you hundreds of dollars on your cheap Las Vegas trip GUARANTEED check out the website below! I wish you a wonderfully cheap Las Vegas trip!

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How to Get the Cheapest Fare

By sapibontv

Traveling can get expensive but there are ways to help keep your travel costs down and make sure you get the cheapest fares available. Whether you are flying by boat, plane, train, or bus you should be able to cut way down on your travel expenses by taking some quick advice on getting the cheapest fares around.

One of the ways you can reduce your fares is by booking your trip in advance. Many companies will offer discounts to travelers that book their tickets 30 days or more in advance. This is especially true with airlines, and if you can book your trip even further in advance then you will find that your fares could be even lower.

Use the discount websites to find low fares on travel. If you stick with the more popular and well known websites, then you should not have any problem finding fares that are cheap and available. If you need to book other things like hotels and rental cars, then considering using these sites for those things as well. The more you can save by planning on a discount website the better off you are.

If you are flying then you may want to consider flying on stand by. Many airlines offer discounts, or other forms of compensation such as free ticket vouchers for future flights, to passengers that agree to fly stand by. It can be difficult to schedule a trip around flying stand by, but the savings would make it worth the hassle.

One way that you can lower the cost of your fares is consider alternate forms of transportation. If you are flying to a destination, then check and see if you have time to take the train or the bus instead. These alternative forms of transportation are going to be much less expensive, and if you do have the time to take the train or the bus then you get the added benefit of being able to take in the beautiful countryside on your trip.

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Cheap Las Vegas Hotel Information

By Chris Linch

Just about everyone who wants to visit Las Vegas is going to be concerned about the cost of their accommodation. This article will provide current facts about some of the best values for hotel, motel and other rooms in Las Vegas. Bear in mind, however, that a cheap hotel room may, in the long run, actually cost more than another hotel room for which you have to pay several dollars more. That is because many of the more elevated hotels include free bonus gifts with the price of a room. These may be coupons or discount cards that give you reduced rates on meals, entertainment, or other useful amenities. A prudent traveler will investigate whether any extra perks come with a room before settling on what seems to be a cheap Las Vegas hotel room.

There are more than a quarter of a million hotel and motel rooms available in Las Vegas, but, especially if you are price conscious, or if your check-in day will be on a Friday or Saturday, then it is advisable to make reservations for your accommodation well in advance. Budget minded travelers who want a cheap room should plan on staying on week days and not on weekends, as room rates are usually significantly higher on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are several excellent publications that write annual travel guide books about tourist destinations, where to stay, what to do and when to go. Many of these travel guides also publish online websites where details about budget accommodations in Las Vegas may be found. Listed below are several examples.

Fodor's provides a list of 16 hotels in Las Vegas that offer rooms for under $50. In the North Strip are Circus Circus and the Sahara. Located downtown are El Cortez, the Plaza, Golden Nugget and Main Street Station. For those wanting to stay in the South Strip, you will find Excalibur, Tropicana, Hooters, Luxor Resort and Mandalay Bay. The latter, by the way, is Fodor's Choice of all Las Vegas hotel rooms for under $50. Next, in the Center Strip are Bally's, Barbary Coast, Flamingo and Harrah's. Finally, their single listing for the West Side is the Orleans hotel.

If you check out the Lonely Planet guide for budget rooms in Las Vegas, you will find that, of their top five, there is only one within the Budget range, and that is USA Hotels downtown. The single suggestion within the Mid Range category is New York-New York in the South Strip. Top End listings are THEhotel on the South Strip and, on the Strip, the Venetian and the Wynn Hotel.

According to the Rough Guide, the California Hotel, Circus Circus and Las Vegas USA Hostels have rooms in the $35 to $50 range, but only between Sunday and Thursday for the two hotels, where their rates are higher on Saturday and Sundays.

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Nosara Costa Rica Vacation - The Unspoiled Gem of Guanacaste

By Lisa Khajavi

When I want to unwind and unplug at the beach I head for Nosara. The feel of this seaside town is relaxed yet upscale, and has some pleasantly familiar tones for a California native like me that echo holistically oriented communities like Santa Cruz, for example. At the same time, it is uniquely Costa Rican with a Guanacasteco flair.

Nosara is part of the proudly independent Guanacaste Province, that was once part of Nicaragua. The focus on wellness is represented well and genuinely in what the area is best known for: surfing and yoga. You dont need to partake of these, however, to completely enjoy and appreciate your Nosara vacation. Thankfully not too many people know about Nosara yet, and I am hoping that this unspoiled gem can stay low key for a long while to come. The town is 40 miles from the nearest paved road, and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica. What I really appreciate is the strong sense of community and the commitment to keeping Nosaras water and environment healthy and clean. The Nosara Civic Association was established to represent the interests of the people living in the region in a sustainable way. The community is inviting to locals and foreigners alike, and I simply just feel at ease whenever I visit. Pura Vida is alive and well in Nosara!

My family and I especially enjoy the Harmony Hotel on Playa Guiones:

The ambiance, the caring staff, and the sustainable practices pull it all together in an elegant, yet relaxed environment that leaves all of us refreshed and recharged after every visit.

The cuisine is a natural extension of the focus on health and wellness, with many vegetarian options, no red meat, and plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, as well as just-caught-fresh fish and seafood.

The juice bar has many inventive concoctions including both beverages such as Ginger Lassi (Indian yogurt drink), and fun vegetarian appetizers such as coconut-lime ceviche-delicious! Reflecting a harmonious way of living, the kitchen uses organic ingredients whenever possible.

The rooms are natural, roomy and very private with a great indoor/outdoor feel. One of the best kept secrets is the Harmony House. It is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom beauty and simply elegant.

The open kitchen, dining and sitting area open onto an expansive patio boasting the best views in Nosara. You can check the surf on Guiones below, while floating in the infinity pool. We stayed with family and had an incredible time.

The Harmony staff even offered to shop for our family dinner we insisted on cooking together in the fully equipped kitchen. It is the best of both worlds: a private beach house , fully equipped and with all the amenities of a hotel. Perfect for families up to 6. The natural wood and crisp white linens work well and the amenities include organic products locally made for you to enjoy during your stay.

The pools are easy on the skin, leaving no harsh chemical burn because the treatment is done with salt water instead of chlorine.

The spa is wonderfully appointed with tantalizing services including a chocolate wrap, using organic cacao and coconut oil.

The coffee rub is amazing and invigorating with great anti-oxidant effect.

The spa also uses organic ingredients as much as possible, for example insisting on organic coffee beans only for the coffee rub from a local family producer.

There are yoga classes overlooking a pond with lotus blossoms, a natural juice bar, ping pong table, and great little store with art supplies, books and many other gems.

The very short stroll to the beach will reveal the long, pristine Playa Guiones with surfing, boogie boarding and a private palapa (with attendant) where you may leave your belongings while you frolic in the sea.

There are many local tours and activities to choose from in addition to the very popular surfing, boogie boarding, yoga and spa treatments. These include kayaking the Rio Garza, Rio Montana, or Rio Nosara, ocean kayaking, bird watching, waterfall hike, Ostional Turtle Nesting, canopy tours, horseback riding, estuary boat tours, among others. One of the best natural highlights is the Lagarta Lodge Biological Reserve Tour, which is very near to the Harmony Hotel. The private reserve is 125 acres along the Nosara river mangroves boasting an abundance of plants and animals including herons, waders, seabirds, motmots, monkeys, coatis, armadillos, anteaters, crabs, iguanas and many others. The best time for animal activity is early morning, and after the tour it is a wonderful option to enjoy the breakfast buffet at the Lagarta Lodge with a lovely ocean view.

Some other highlights include the local eatery/bar/bakery called Cafe de Paris. This is a great spot, right in the heart of town, with a wonderfully diverse menu, yummy bakery and extensive beverage selection. You will find unique German and Belgian beer, along with many tropical drinks, and eclectic international wines. The Black Sheep Pub up in the Nosara hills is a fun place with a great view and vibe. Strolling through the surf shops and boutiques in town, you will find an old fashioned ice cream shop with giant waffle cones and a super wide variety of flavors. You will meet locals, North Americans, Europeans, South Americans all in a very enjoyable, easy setting. If you want to unplug and unwind, with a focus on well-being, you will love Nosara, too.

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Hawaii Golf Destinations

By Jay Stevenson

Contrary to popular belief around the globe, Hawaii does not only attract beach lovers but golf huggers, too. Hawaii offers more than 100 golf destinations especially in cities where you can choose more such as Honolulu, Kailua Kona, Oahu and Ewa Beach. While there are so many to select from, knowing the top sites would surely help you in having the best golf traveling vacation ever.

Named by the Golf Digest as the #1 Golf Course in Oahu, ranked 7th in Golflink.com as part of the 2008' s "Top 100 United States Golf Courses", rated in Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Places You Can Play" and tagged as "The World's Most Challenging Gold Course", Ko'olau Golf Club presents a slope rating of 155 plus, 200-acre course, which was carved out of 1,500 acres of rainforest in 1991. Located just over the Pali Highway from Honolulu, the 20-minute drive can lead you to a spectacular view of the luscious forest, tropical green terrain, and majestic mountains of Hawaii. The 18-hole Ko'olau is a par 72 course at 7,310 yards, which features a course rating of 74.4 and a slope rating of 158 on Bahia grass. Declared by USGA (United States Golf Association) as the toughest course in the United States, Ko'olau Golf Club also offers challenging golf courses for all skill levels.

Another golf piece of Oahu is the Makaha Resort & Golf Club. Better known as "Makaha West," this golf course has also been listed in 2002 as one of the "Places to Play" by Golf Magazine. It was also named by Honolulu Magazine as Oahu's number one golf course. A few minutes from Honolulu, situated in the stunning Makaha Valley, surrounding Wai'anae Mountains, this resort also provides a 7,022-yard, 18-hole, 72 par championship golf course rated 73.2 by USGA. More than the course itself, guests and professionals can enjoy the classic, fresh looking valley, and the extraordinary scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Amateurs can avail of group or private golf training from PGA experts. Visitors can go for the cart access to all fairways, the driving range, and pro shop wherein you can purchase gold apparel and accessories, and rent shoes and clubs.

Golf Magazine included Hapuna Golf Course in its "Gold Medal Resorts" list in 1998. It was also ranked as the "Best Public Course" in 1995-1996 and placed 11th in 1997-1998. The USGA labeled Hapuna Golf Course as "The Course of the Future" in 1997 and rated as one of the most environmentally sensitive golf courses, not mentioning its 75th rank in Conde Nast Traveller's "Top 100 Golf Resorts" in 2006. Over a decade ago since it opened, this 18-hole, par 72, 6,875 yards golf course, nestled 700 feet above sea level in the Big Island, has continued to deliver a "nature-filled" golf experience. It also offers a One Day Golf School program to let you enhance your skills and get acquainted with its golfing landscape.

After a review of some of Hawaii's top golf courses, it will surely bring a dream golf experience combined with nature's gifts. For avid golfers out there, taking a trip to Hawaii will definitely make you want for more inspiring holes.

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Monday, April 20, 2009

Your Guide to Preparing for a Cruise Ship Voyage

By Lindelwa Laz

Preparation shouldn't wait until a week before you go, rather, it should begin as soon as you book your cruise ship reservation and the type you will be taking will determine what preparations you make. A large number of cruise ships travel on international waters and in addition, many make stops at international ports. Before you can board, you may need to present identification and with international cruises, this identification often includes a valid driver's license and passport.

A huge problem, when it comes to getting a passport that some people will wait till the last minute and although last minute passports can be obtained in the event of an emergency, most require at least a week or more to process. You aren't immediately supplied with a passport but must instead apply for one and while almost all individuals that fill out the application are granted one, planning ahead is the best option. So then. if an error is made on the information you supplied, you will have enough time then you can repair any mistakes before it's time to set sail.

The passport and license aren't the only documentation that you should board with. If you are covered under a health insurance plan, you are encouraged to take your cards. In the event you fall ill while on vacation, your insurance cards will allow you to get treatment.

In addition to insurance cards it's recommended that you take your meds along, actually, you should think about taking extra medication with you. Many physicians will write extra prescriptions for their patients that are traveling on a cruise ship so if your medication is lost or taken the extra meds can last you until your ship returns home. While requesting extra medication from your doctor you may want to question them about the safety precautions you should take on a ship.

To pay for onboard and activities on port you'll need extra money. Vacationing at sea is exactly like taking a vacation to any other location in the world so you are encouraged to carry huge amounts of money. If you have to take cash with you you are encouraged to split your money and put it all in safe locations though the majority of ships and ports take credit cards, cashiers checks, money orders, or traveler's checks which are good alternatives to packing cash.

When taking a cruise you are advised to make a copy of the vessels itinerary to your friends and family members which will make it possible for you to be found in case of emergency. When registering for a cruise ship, you might also need to give the contact information for a person that can be contacted in the event of an emergency. Your initial thought might be to provide the information on your spouse, children, or a close friend but if you do so you should ensure that they will be on land and easily accessible.

Once you have made these preparations you can then focus on other preparations, like packing your luggage but remember when you pack you are urged to keep the climate of the cruise in mind. Additionally you should be prepared for surprise weather and make good preparations to be certain it will be be a fantastic vacation.

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Boat Props Terminology Decoded

By Todd Alan

If you have never needed to look for a boat propeller in the past, and have only started out, all the jargon that is associated with a boat prop can leave you quite confused. However, once youve familiarized yourself with the associated language, looking for a boat prop can be quite easy.

Different parts of a propeller: A majority of the boat propellers that you would come across would have three or four blades. These blades are connected to the hub, and the hub connects the propellers blades to the engines drive shaft. The angles at which these blades are connected to the shaft allow them to screw through water, which is what makes the boat move forward. The blades two ends are referred to as the leading edge and the trailing edge wherein the leading edge is the edge that cuts through water.

A spline, while technically, is not a part of the propeller, refers to the drive shafts teeth. Hubs are designed in a way that allows them to fit shafts with given numbers of splines.

The features of a boat prop: Boat props are classified by their diameter and pitch, and this is often displayed as 2 numbers (in inches), such as 15.5 X 12. One can usually find this stamped on the props hub. The 1st number refers to the props diameter (which would be double the distance from the blades end to the hubs center). The 2nd number refers to the props pitch. The pitch refers to the distance that the propeller can theoretically travel through with every revolution. A prop with a 12 inch pitch could travel around 1 foot with a single revolution. Pitch is often looked upon as a theoretical figure because a prop pitch can experience slips in varied real world scenarios. A slip refers to the difference in ratio between the actual distance that is traveled and the props given pitch. This slip can be varied under similar conditions, an example being that an efficiently planned boat could experience only a 10 percent slip, where as a heavy work boat could experience as much as 80 percent slip.

When it comes to a propellers rotation, it could be either right or left handed. While most commonly available props have right handed rotation, you could come across left handed rotational props when double engines are required to counter the torque of the motor.

A cupped blade refers to the special treatment wherein the prop blades trailing edge is curved. This helps increase performance levels under specific conditions.

The rake is used to refer to the angle created by the blade and the hub. A negative rake would indicate that the props blades point forward and this is normally done for adding strength.

Before you start, it is important that you note down your engines specifications, such as make, horse power (HP), model, etc. and your existing props details like its material (steel, aluminum, etc), diameter, pitch, and number of blades. You can then comfortably embark upon your hunt for a new boat prop.

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Boat Seat Fabrics And Textiles Explained

By Frank Gehry

Boat seats are important parts of any boat, which should not be neglected under any circumstances. Many different kinds of boat seat materials are available to ensure that they provide the optimum safety and performance.

Upholstery is the most obvious constituent element of boat seat materials, but other parts, such as the rigid framing structure, should not be overlooked either. Not only will the regular upkeep of your seating ensure that its quality is maintained, it will also make sure that the looks of your boat or yacht are maintained.

Damaged boat seat materials, such as bent frames or ripped fabrics, not only decrease the appeal of the vessel but also lower its value. Especially if you are thinking of selling the boat, often a little seat repair and refurbishment will pay itself many times over.

Regarding the boat seat materials most commonly employed in the frame of seating, stainless steel or pressure-treated wood are the most common ones, with fiberglass being a close third. Luxury boat seats on the other hand are often built entirely in prestigious teak wood.

Fiberglass and steel are very common materials. When buying steel-based seats, you need to make sure that it's stainless to avoid rust and resulting ugly stains. Marine plywood is used for less expensive seating - make sure that the material has been pressure treated if you buy this kind of seat.

Boat seat upholstery is not always present on all kinds of marine seating. Some benches are simply constructed, with hard wooden or fiberglass backrests and sitting areas, often padded but more often still unpadded.

These seats are usually fitted with removable cushions for comfort. Of course, when it comes to covers (both upholstery and for cushions), the variety of fabrics that can be used for indoor seating is more varied than for outdoor seating.

Boat seats that are intended for on-deck use must be proofed against environmental hazards such as light from the sun and wind. Marine grade vinyl is often used for boat seat upholstery, although there are other possibilities.

Alternatives to marine grade vinyl include nylon, weatherproofed leather, and other high-grade fabrics. These are usually more expensive, but also more luxurious, nicer to look at and more comfortable.

Boat seat materials need to be hard wearing and sturdy. Most custom boat seat manufacturers will be more than happy to help a client to find the best material for his and his boats' needs.

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Sunday, April 19, 2009

30 Sailboat Adventures

By Douglas Malat

Once upon a time, I thought there was nothing more to do with a 30' sailboat other than sail around the bays. Then I discovered sailboat racing and it rocked my world.

I found racing sailing in my area and it gave me purpose on the weekends. I got friends for crew and set-off to win one. Some sailboat races are around buoys, some around islands, but in either case you have to know your tides and winds. These are your main concerns, because with tides you want to know where it runs strong and also light.

When running against the tide on your race course (some race courses can be 5 to 10 miles), you definitely want to veer to the lighter side of the tide, but when running with it, you want to stay in the strongest part for that major boost in speed. Your winds are the same way in sailboat racing. In a bay, you will find more wind, possibly closer to shore where the land is warmer, driving the wind onshore. It may be only to 3 knots of wind difference, but staying on course in the middle of the bay where the wind is fickle may lose you ground.

Long time sailboat racers have beaten me many times. I recall on one occasion being certain I was going to win. A sailboat was turning as if it was heading back. I was passing the very last buoy before the finish line. Was I ever tricked! That sailboat found stronger winds and beat me to the finish line. That was an important lesson learned. Over time, you master the techniques and it becomes automatic. I learned the hard way and faced much frustration, but, ultimately, when I figured it all out, there was plenty of excitement. Short races lasting a few hours turned to races one week long.

Along the way, I've encountered some very high wind conditions. The race didn't start that way, but along the line I've seen sailors extracted by helicopters. Once I won a trophy simply because I managed to drift the best - there was no wind for hours and I lucked out thanks to either my deep keel or wide beam. Learning to master my racing skills in my sailboat took time and experience, but eventually you learn how to reach top speeds without straining your crew or your boat. That's all part of discovering your boat's point of sail. When you figure that out, sailing becomes natural, effortless and automatic.

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There Are Too Few Travel Destinations For Families

By Lars Pedersten

When you travel around the world, family friendly places seem to have plenty of activities for the children and parents alike. We all want to travel the globe and view the world wide attractions. World travel for holiday goers seems exciting, but it appears that they don't really know where they want to travel next. It seems to be the most difficult part of their next vacation is the planning. Looking at the northeastern United States, you might choose family friendly destinations like, Smugglers' Notch. Colonial Williamsburg is one family friendly place. White Mountain is another. Williamsburg offers a terrific glimpse into America's past while families enjoy themselves with terrific activities.

Smugglers' Notch on the other hand is one tremendous family-friendly ski resort. The resort possesses two teenage centers and a 5400 square foot center that'll entertain the younger children under six. For families of all ages and sizes these among others offer a marvelous array of skiing activities. Alongside this, you might want to consider White Mountain, which is a very family-friendly resort. White Mountain offers a fantastic four-season getaway complete with camping bicycle rides and mountaineering.

Nonetheless, there are too few travel destinations for families to visit in the United States. Traveling around the world and leaving the country, you notice that Europe is one marvelous place for families to holiday together. You're really allowed to enjoy each other's company. For example, London has numerous world travel, family friendly places. Some of these are the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and Big Ben. InFrance it's a very different family atmosphere with the Eiffel tower in the largest visitor attraction; it is a terrific place to take families. You should be aware that Paris has a very long rainy season, so it is imperative that you plan your household trip carefully. Moving to Venice in Italy, you'll find interesting family times as Italy's enrich culture, history, and intriguing place to have family vacations. There is a plethora of world trouble spots for the family.

For the perfect family vacation, the only way to go in my opinion is all-inclusive. And for those who have already done so, I'm sure that you will agree the highlight of every all-inclusive with children is the never-ending supply of ice cream!

Some inclusive resorts offer reduced rates for children under 12, that stay in their parents room. This is because children don't drink alcohol or usually eat as much food as adults. An inclusive resort that is willing to accommodate children at a reduced charge expects that parents with children will probably not be partying as much as a single person and it's seems to be an ideal fit the entire family.

There are many great places for couples to go and enjoy themselves. The Bahamas is a great romantic place for couples. It offers everything from snorkeling to nightlife. Another great world travel destination is Prague located in the Czech Republic. This city is sometimes referred to as the mother of cities, and this wonderful spot is famous for its beautiful sunsets. California's Sonoma Valley is also a wonderful place for couples to travel to. Couples shouldn't miss the very romantic horse drawn carriages offered there.

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